Halesowen Swimming Club has run a Learn to Swim scheme since the Learner Pool facility was first opened in 1974 and have taught thousands of local children to swim.

Half-hour Lessons take place in the small pool on Friday evenings from 6.15pm.  Children can join the scheme at any time after their fifth birthday and, after a brief assessment at their first lesson, enter at the appropriate level.  Children progress from those who cannot swim at all through to improvers at later session times.  We operate a rolling four weekly programme designed to work on various skills and these are rewarded with certificates and badges through the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Teaching Plan.   Lessons place the emphasis on fun and enjoyment in the water that ensures long-term progress.

There is more information below but if you are interested simply come along to our Club desk in the main foyer at 6.30pm on Fridays and ask to join our Learn to Swim programme.  We can normally enrol children there and then and we’ll even give you the first lesson free!

If you prefer, you can E-Mail your details or questions to us using the ‘contacts’ page and we’ll get back to you.

Some of the most frequently asked questions by parents are:

Does it matter if I join the scheme half way through a quarter?

No.  We place children in the session appropriate to their ability.  We treat and progress all children as individuals and not as a group.

What equipment is needed?

We provide arm bands and floats for children learning to swim and recommend the wearing of goggles and swimming hats to aid confidence in the water.  The Club runs a swim shop on Friday evenings where equipment is available at a discount price.

How do children progress?

We have adopted the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Teaching Plan that provides clear guidance on what children need to achieve before progressing.  Although we do assess children regularly this is done as part of the lesson and children are not placed under pressure at any stage.

How structured are the lessons?

Lessons are structured but, like in the early days at school, play is a key feature in beginners’ lessons.  When children are young it can be hard for them to concentrate for long periods of time and play makes it more interesting.  Play also encourages confidence in the water that in turn aids progression.  Lessons become more structured as children develop skills and confidence in the water.

Is half an hour a week enough for children to learn to swim quickly?

Yes.  We have found, through many years experience, that young children learn very quickly with only half an hour in the pool each week.

What happens when my child is ready to leave the Learn to Swim scheme?

When children have progressed to our later sessions we discuss with parents what can happen next.  Although many parents enrol their children with the sole aim of learning to swim a large number go on to become full members of the Club and continue their development in the main pool.

Payment for Lessons

Payments for lessons are due on joining or at the beginning of each quarter (January, April, July and September) and are payable at the Club desk in the main foyer.  Fees are set annually at or below similar Local Authority schemes.

Other Club Activities and Facilities

The Club also runs training sessions in the main pool on Friday evenings from 6.15pm for developing young swimmers right through to adults and we also train regularly on other days.  We have a successful swimming squad through which children develop a strong sense of team spirit and enjoyment.  We also compete in Biathlons and run a Water Polo section.

We encourage parents of children in the Learn to Swim scheme to keep up to date with Club activities by reading our noticeboard in the main foyer, through our regular Newsletter and by visiting this website regularly.

Still want to know more?

We hope that we have given you enough information but if you want to know more then you can E-Mail your details or questions to us using the ‘contacts’ page and we’ll get back to you.  You can also talk to us at our Club desk in the main foyer on Fridays from 6.30pm.